Over $100 Million Recovered For Our Clients “Roger K. Gelb is one of the area’s most respected and sought-after legal minds” – Washingtonian Magazine
Maryland Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Drivers in Maryland have a duty to stay alert for pedestrians. When pedestrians are crossing the street within a crosswalk, drivers must stop and let them cross. This is made abundantly clear by yellow signs that display a large, red stop sign. Unfortunately, our Maryland pedestrian accident lawyers deal frequently with these types of accidents. Often, drivers are texting or otherwise distracted by something else on the road or in their own car, unconcerned with their surroundings. Then, it is the pedestrian who is left seriously injured.
Drivers may think that, because pedestrians do not pose a threat to them the way another motor vehicle does, that they do not need to be as careful. However, pedestrians do not have any of the safety technology that cars have. They are left unguarded and rely solely on the judgment of drivers for their protection. If you have been injured as a pedestrian by a motor vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation.
The Law in Maryland
As noted, the law in Maryland requires that drivers stop for pedestrians when they are walking within a crosswalk. But it. Does not stop there. Drivers must always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk, even when the light for the driver is green. Some less well-known laws in Maryland include the prohibition against blocking a crosswalk with your vehicle. Moreover, drivers may not pass another vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk. Even if the pedestrian has already passed the driver’s path and the coast appears clear, it is prohibited.
But unfortunately, not all the laws in Maryland favor pedestrians. Accordingly, it is imperative to contact a Maryland pedestrian accident lawyer for the laws applicable to your unique facts. One such law in Maryland which is unfavorable to pedestrians is found in §21-503 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. § 21-503(a) requires that a pedestrian crossing at any point other than in a marked crosswalk must yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching on the roadway. While this aids the flow of traffic, it can endanger pedestrians and permit a contributory negligence defense for a driver if you, the pedestrian, sues a driver. There are other provisions under §21-503 which also favor drivers.
While some laws in Maryland do favor drivers, under §21-504(a) of the Code, drivers are nonetheless required to exercise due care to avoid collisions with any pedestrian. If due care is not exercised by the driver, you may be entitled to compensation. But again, you must be weary of a contributory negligence defense and always be careful when crossing a street.
Types of Injuries
When a pedestrian is stuck by a motor vehicle, the extent of the injuries can be significant. Of course, pedestrians do not have as much protection as someone in a motor vehicle. But pedestrians have even less protection than most cyclists who should be wearing helmets and hopefully other forms of protection. Injuries arise from being struck and thrown into the air, knocked over the hood of the vehicle, or pushes forward and into another object. This can lead to disfiguring and debilitating injury. The most common injuries we have seen are broken bones, bruised and disfigured faces, broken teeth, internal bleeding, protruding bones, road rash, shards of glass stuck, permanent scarring, and many more gruesome injuries.
How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can Help
There is a multitude of ways a Maryland pedestrian accident lawyer can help you when you are injured due to someone else’s negligence. The first thing you will receive is peace of mind. When you go through a life-altering experience, it can only help to have a seasoned attorney fighting on your side. Our lawyers simplify the process, spelling out exactly what needs to be done so you can receive the compensation you are entitled to based on your injuries.
One of the most frustrating things that can happen after you are in an accident is the driver’s insurance company gives you a lowball offer. They know what your case is worth based on plenty of experience. They know what to offer you to get you to go away. We will not let the insurance companies take advantage of you. Call today so you can focus on your recovery.
Contact a Maryland Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you have been hit by a car or truck, contact a Gelb & Gelb Maryland personal injury lawyer for a free consultation. Our trusted team has provided legal representation to Marylanders for nearly 70 years. We look forward to speaking with you.
Da Simms
September 23, 2023
Great lawyers guys!
Cindy Dennis
September 20, 2023
Atty Gelb handled my personal injury claim, he was so helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this firm.
Daniel Long
September 19, 2023
Gelb & Gelb, P.C does an amazing job following through all the steps in the correct way for your case! Completely recommend
David Andonian
September 18, 2023
Smooth process, Timely but Got it taken care of !
Elvis Ngawe
September 13, 2023
Gelb was so helpful and I got my payment
Hayward McGregor
September 8, 2023
Had the pleasure of working with Roger since June 12th 2020. For these past three years he has been nothing but AMAZING. Super professional, very well mannered, always communicates everything to you once he gets information. I appreciate how hard he fought for my settlement. I will be referring!
Rod Wheeler
September 7, 2023
As a lifelong Police Officer and Crime Analyst here in Washington DC, I can tell you that I've met dozens of attorneys during my career; the good and the bad! I recently was the victim of an automobile accident in the Bethesda Md area where a woman struck my vehicle from behind, as she was texting and not paying attention to the road. I sustained several injuries. I decided to use the legal services of Roger Gelb who was highly recommended and rated by others.
Reaching out to the Gelb Law Firm was one of the BEST decisions I've ever made! From the very beginning, Mr. Gelb was LASER FOCUSED on my health and care. He quickly arranged for me to get essential medical treatment to get me back to good health. Next, he and his team handled EVERYTHING related to the accident from start to finish. The entire experience with the Gelb Law Firm was fast, professional and exceeded my expectations. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND anyone who is considering an attorney for an accident or any other type of legal matter, to give Mr. Gelb and his excellent team a close look. Trust me; you will have no regrets!
Rod Wheeler
leslie sandoval
July 25, 2023
Hands down best lawyer! Keeps you updated through out your whole case and works quickly ! I Have contacted him for 3 car accidents over the years and each time he did an amazing job.
Meaghan Heinecke
July 20, 2023
I worked with Roger Gelb and his team. They were super fast and reached out to me for what they needed. I also appreciated how Roger was kind and said I could reach out for whatever questions that I might have. I highly recommend!